As a nonionic surfactant, HEC has the functions such asthickening, suspension, emulsification, adhesion, film formation,dispersion, water retention, providing protection and the followingproperties:

1. HEC is soluble in heat water or cold water, don''tprecipitate under high temperature or boiling, solubility andviscosity changes in a wide range;
2. Because of its nonionic property, it can coexist with otherwater-soluble polymer, surfactants and salts in wide range, is anexcellent colloid thickener for high-concentration electrolytesolution;
3. Its water retention is twice of methyl cellulose, with excellentflow controllability;
4. Its dispersibility is the worst compared with methyl celluloseand hydroxypropyl cellulose, but the protection power for colloidis the strongest.